Latest news with #Udhampur
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Udhampur court awards 10 years RI to three accused in NDPS case
Principal sessions judge Udhampur (special judge under NDPS Act), Virinder Singh Bhau, on Thursday, awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to three accused in an NDPS case. All the three occupants of the car were arrested and an FIR was registered in Udhampur police station under Section 8/20 of NDPS Act (File) The court also fined them ₹2 lakh. The convicts were identified as Aadil Ahmad Tantray of Tantray Pora Anantnag, Abid Hussain Shah of Aishmuqam Anantnag and Chander Kant Dadrouji of Bandra in Maharashtra. On July 5, 2021, Udhampur police, during routine checking at Jakhani Naka, on Jammu Srinagar Highway had intercepted a Tavera vehicle which was coming from Samroli. The vehicle was stopped after a chase and checking led to recovery of a white plastic bag kept in the boot space of the vehicle. The bag contained cannabis like substance. All the three occupants of the car were arrested and an FIR was registered in Udhampur police station under Section 8/20 of NDPS Act.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K police seize property of terrorist spreading cross-border terrorism
Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 12 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Police attached the property of a terrorist trying to spread cross-border terrorism in the Banihal area, SSP Kulbir Singh said. SSP Kulbir Singh appealed to the youth to control their social media activity and asked them not to access websites that spread anti-national and anti-social activities. 'A crackdown is ongoing in which a legal action is being taken against the terrorists trying to spread cross-border terrorism, and the property in their name is also being seized... The 9th such case occurred in Banihal, where a property was attached. This is against a militant sitting across the border trying to spread terrorism... The public also participates actively in this... I want to appeal to youth to control their social media activity... 'Do not assess websites that spread anti-national and anti-social activities; otherwise, we will take strict legal action,' Singh said on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a high-level security meeting chaired by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, IPS, was held to review preparations and strategise for the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, 2025, officials said. The meeting was attended by Additional SP Udhampur, SDPOs, DySPs, and SHOs from Udhampur, Majalta, Rehambal, and Chenani, along with other officers involved in the Yatra arrangements. The discussions centred on key aspects such as security arrangements, intelligence sharing, traffic management, medical aid, emergency response, and logistical support. Special focus was laid on anti-narcotics operations. SSP Nagpure directed all officers to remain vigilant and conduct proactive drives to dismantle narco networks operating in the region. He also instructed officers to maintain a high level of alertness and operational readiness throughout the Yatra. Regular review meetings, briefing sessions, and mock drills were stressed to ensure the flawless implementation of all plans and protocols, officials said. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,888 metres in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (J-K). A week earlier, Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat chaired a joint meeting with officers from the Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) at Police Control Room Kashmir to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025, Eid-Ul-Adha and other upcoming events. (ANI)
News18
12-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Next Stop Aizawl, Kohima: Railways Shifts Focus To Northeast After Linking Srinagar & Rameswaram
Last Updated: The last time a north-eastern capital received railway connectivity was in 2016, when trains reached Tripura's Agartala through Broad Gauge After connecting Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and restoring rail services to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Railways has now shifted its focus to the Northeast. Mizoram's capital Aizawl is set to join the railway map soon, becoming the fourth north-eastern capital after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh to be linked to the national rail network. While the date for commercial operations on the Bairabi–Sairang line under the Northeast Frontier Railway is yet to be finalised, the necessary approvals have been received. This milestone was achieved after the last section between Sairang and Hortoki received operational clearance. The total length of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line project is about 52 km, of which approximately 17 km—between Bairabi and Hortoki—has been operational since July 2024. Now, approvals have been granted for the 33.86 km stretch between Hortoki and Sairang, which lies about 20 km from Aizawl. While the majority of mainland India and its capitals are served by a dense railway network, many parts of the Northeast and Kashmir had long been waiting. Srinagar's wait ended last week with the inauguration of the completed Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. In April, the new Pamban bridge was inaugurated, restoring train connectivity to Rameswaram after more than two years. The old bridge was declared unsafe for train operations, and constructing the new bridge amid unpredictable sea weather was a major challenge. Broad Gauge for Northeast After completing the long-pending Srinagar and Pamban bridge projects, the next major goal for Indian Railways is connecting more north-eastern states. The Bairabi–Sairang project poses several engineering challenges. It includes 48 tunnels stretching a total of 13 km and 142 bridges, 55 of which are classified as major. One of the bridges is 104 meters high—42 meters taller than the Qutub Minar. The Northeast Frontier Railway serves the region, covering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Sikkim. The last time a north-eastern capital received railway connectivity was in 2016, when trains reached Tripura's Agartala through Broad Gauge. In April 2014, the first passenger train reached Naharlagun, bringing Itanagar — the capital of Arunachal Pradesh — onto the BG railway map of India. Guwahati was the first among the eight north-eastern states to receive train connectivity. Next Stations: Kohima and Imphal With Aizawl almost connected, Indian Railways is now looking toward Nagaland and Manipur. In Nagaland, the Dimapur–Kohima line has crossed the 60 per cent completion mark, with trains expected to reach Kohima by 2029. In Manipur, the Jiribam–Imphal railway line is being developed in phases. The 55-km stretch from Jiribam to Khongsang became operational in 2022–23. However, work on the remaining section has slowed due to ongoing unrest in the state. Train to Sikkim Among the eight north-eastern states, seven have rail connectivity as of date. Sikkim remains the exception with no train services currently operating within the state. A new line between Sivok and Rangpo in Sikkim is under construction. Of its total 44.96 km length, 38.65 km (86 per cent) lies in 14 tunnels, while 2.24 km (5 per cent) is in bridges. Last month, the government announced that this rail line had made significant progress and would be operational soon. Earlier this year, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that the Centre has asked the state to return Rs 270 crore allocated for land acquisition for the stalled Byrnihat-Shillong railway project because of delay in commissioning the task. The 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong railway project has been on hold since 2016-17 due to strong opposition from local groups, who fear it could lead to an influx of outsiders. As Indian Railways races to bridge the last gaps, the dream of a fully connected India edges closer to reality—from the Himalayas to the Northeast, and from sea to summit. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : aizawl Indian Railways Kohima manipur meghalaya Rameswaram srinagar Tripura Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:56 IST
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Kashmir's rail revolution is a tribute to govt resolve and grit
On a clear June day, draped in marigold flowers and national pride, the Vande Bharat Express began its maiden journey from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the moment marked more than just the launch of a high-speed train. It was the culmination of a century-old dream—one forged in steel, vision, and unyielding resolve. The rail unification of Kashmir with the rest of India is that resolve. A train to Kashmir with an ultra-modern travel experience runs on the solid foundation of our engineers. Cutting the travel time short, Vande Bharat trains run twice a day, six times a week from both sides. They are not only bringing in the much-needed push for the local economic development in the valley but are emerging as a boon for tourists from all over. For decades, Kashmir's story has been told through the lens of conflict and remoteness. It's heartening to see it being rewritten in the language of infrastructure – bridges, tunnels, and rail lines threading their way through the mountains. Coming on the eve of the 11 years of Modi's governance at the Centre, the special trains and the connecting link are all set to change the destiny of locals in Kashmir. In its 172-year history of service to the nation, Indian Railways has crossed many important milestones. Generations of dedicated railway men and women have toiled to make connectivity and carriage an everyday reality. But to paraphrase a line from an iconic Indian advertisement: Indian Railways doesn't just build tracks—it also knits the fabric of national unity! From isolation to integration Historically, Kashmir's isolation was more than metaphorical—it was geographic and punishingly real. Tucked high in the Himalayas and routinely cut off by snow for days together, the region remained distant not just in reach but even experience. Roads were often treacherous, air travel limited, and full rail connectivity a mirage. A British-era proposal for a Kashmir rail link remained on the drawing board for decades, hindered by complex geopolitical challenges. After countless rounds of deliberations, feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and consultations with both domestic and international experts, the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) was officially sanctioned in 1994. While the northern and southern sections progressed steadily and were effectively completed within a decade, the central stretch—from Katra to Banihal—posed an engineering and security challenge of Himalayan proportions. For years, the rail line lingered as two disconnected segments—like outstretched hands reaching across a chasm of mountains. But that chasm symbolized more than just physical terrain. The final push to complete the USBRL project came when the government declared it a national priority. With a firm resolve and cutting-edge technology working in tandem, the project finally saw light at the end of the tunnel—quite literally. As Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw aptly remarked, this was far more than a transportation initiative; it was a nation-building effort. Where steel defies the sky The USBRL project may well be the most ambitious rail initiative since Independence. The 272-km stretch between Udhampur and Baramulla snakes through 40 tunnels and over 900 bridges. And at the center of it all is the record-breaking Chenab Bridge – the tallest railway bridge in the world, standing 359 meters above the riverbed. This engineering marvel is capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 260 kmph and tremors of seismic zone-V. Beside it stands the: Anji Khad Bridge, the country's first cable-stayed railway bridge, stretching asymmetrically across a valley, anchored by a single pylon and supported by 96 cables. Tunnels, including the 11-kilometer-long T-80 (Banihal - Qazigund) tunnel through the Pir Panjal range, have been carved through fragile rock with a mix of dynamite and human grit. Physical surveys were done on horseback, while drones and satellite imaging provided aerial support. Workers labored through harsh winters, sudden landslides, and the looming threat of Pak-sponsored terrorist attacks. Today, more than 190 km of tunnels and thousands of tons of steel later, the line stands complete – a feat that combines precision engineering with a certain audacity of vision, linking the valley to the rest of the nation in a way that is profoundly symbolic. A train called hope In many ways, the Vande Bharat Express is not just a train, it is a metaphor. It glides quietly through meadows and valleys, bridging distances both physical and psychological, proclaiming that Kashmir is no longer distant! It has reduced travel time between Srinagar and Katra to just over three hours, down from nearly six. What was once a treacherous road journey through landslide-prone hairpin bends and unpredictable weather, is now a smooth ride through tunnels and bridges that defy belief. It connects not only cities, but lives. Children in far-off villages are now talking about universities in Jammu and Delhi. Local artisans, apple growers, and carpet weavers now see their goods reaching markets beyond the valley – fresher, faster, further. 'Where there were checkpoints and delays. There is now the sound of a train. It feels like we're no longer waiting for the rest of the country to arrive, we are moving with it,' said a young shopkeeper in Srinagar. A new journey unfolds This is not to suggest that one train will solve Kashmir's complex problems. Infrastructure cannot erase history or immediately heal wounds – security concerns will need addressing yet. But it can open doors—both literally and symbolically. And it can lay the groundwork for integration that is economic, social, and, ultimately, emotional. What began as a dream on drawing boards in colonial offices has become a reality on steel rails blending with Himalayan rock. The rail line to Kashmir is the story of a country that refused to be daunted by terrain, terror, or time. From mountain shadows to sunlit stations, a new journey has begun! (The writer is former CEO and Chairman Railway Board)
The Sun
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
World's tallest railway bridge higher than Eiffel Tower opens in India as £200million project hailed as ‘crown jewel'
INDIA has unveiled the world's highest railway bridge - built with 30,000 tonnes of steel and towering 359 metres above the river bed. The Chenab Bridge, linking India to Kashmir, has been hailed as the 'crown jewel of India' amid major tensions over the disputed region controlled by rival neighbours India and Pakistan. 5 5 5 India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the £200 million bridge in his first visit to Kashmir since the conflict between India and Pakistan in April. The bridge's inauguration comes just a month after a shooting in the resort town of Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Waving the national flag over the bridge, Modi said: "Pakistan will never forget… its shameful loss.' He added: 'Today's event is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve.' Dubbed by Indian Railways as one of the most challenging tracks in the world, the bridge is seen as a symbol of India's economic strength. Stretching 0.8 miles long, the structure has been built to withstand 165mph winds and high-intensity earthquakes. The idea for the railway was first floated in 1892 by the then ruling Maharaja Hari Singh, who brought in British engineers to survey the rugged terrain. But given its complexity, the plan was ultimately shelved. The 169-mile railway line starts in the garrison town of Udhampur in Jammu and winds its way through Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir. It ends in Baramulla, near the heavily militarised Line of Control that divides the Himalayan region between India and Pakistan. India & Pakistan accuse each other of breaking ceasefire as explosions heard hours after deal The bridge is the focal point of the £3.7bn Udhampur-Katra-Baramulla project - set to connect Jammu and Kashmir with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. It is expected to slice in half - to around three hours - the time taken to travel from Katra, a town in Kashmir's Hindu-majority Jammu region to Srinagar, Kashmir's main city which has a Muslim majority. Around 16 million people live in Kashmir, split between the Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled areas. When India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, Indian troops took control of two-thirds of Kashmir, while Pakistan seized the northern third. Since then, the dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has evolved into one of the world's most intense geopolitical rivalries. India accused Pakistan of backing the recent Pahalgam massacre - a claim Islamabad firmly denies. US President Donald Trump said: "The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. "We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. "Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies." In response to the terror attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor", striking nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan officials said the "unprovoked" strikes killed at least 31 people, including several children, as well as injuring 46 others. The fraught period also saw India and Pakistan cancelling visas for each other's citizens. 5 5
